Explore Northumberland’s Coast: Walking Break to Lindisfarne & Bamburgh

Join Large Outdoors for a sociable weekend of guided walks along the stunning Northumberland coastline, taking in historic sites such as Lindisfarne, the Holy Island, and the imposing Bamburgh Castle. Enjoy exploring picturesque coastal paths, learning about the region’s fascinating history, and sharing the experience with like-minded walkers in a relaxed, friendly setting.


Experience Type: Weekends & Holidays
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hotel
Transport: Car-Free Experience
Group Size: Maximum 8
Level: Leisurely
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs


Public Transport: This trip is fully accessible by public transport, we include free collection from the local train station (Berwick-upon-Tweed) and all travel during the trip. Please see the Meeting Location & Time section below for full details.


What to Expect on Your Northumberland Walking Break:

  • Expert-Led Walks: Walk with our passionate local guides who bring the coastline and history to life.

  • Historic Sites & Stories: Visit Bamburgh Castle and walk across the sands to Holy Island (Lindisfarne).

  • Car-Free Convenience: Includes a station pickup from Berwick-upon-Tweed and all transport during the trip.

  • Relaxed, Sociable Atmosphere: Small group size, shared meals, and time to unwind at the end of each day.

  • Comfortable Hotel Stay: Base yourself in a hotel with twin and single rooms in the historic town of Berwick.


 

Book today…

Coastal Walks & Heritage Highlights

This walking break offers the chance to explore one of the most iconic and history-rich coastlines in England. From the mighty walls of Bamburgh Castle to the tidal crossing to Holy Island, you’ll walk through landscapes that have shaped centuries of stories. Each day features fully guided walks, thoughtful details, and plenty of time to pause and enjoy the sea air.

We take care of the logistics – including your travel from the station – so you can focus on enjoying the experience. With a mix of coastal trails, historic villages, and sociable evenings, this is a rewarding short break by the sea.

Suggested Itinerary

Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!

  • Check-in is from 15:00 at our hotel in the centre of Berwick, a town with centuries of fascinating border history. For those arriving by train, we offer a free pickup from Berwick-upon-Tweed station at 17:00.

    Berwick is known for its Elizabethan town walls, cobbled streets, and role in centuries of Anglo-Scottish conflict. If you arrive early, it’s well worth exploring the historic ramparts or strolling along the riverside before check-in.

    At 18:00, join your Large Outdoors host and fellow walkers for a welcome drink. Tonight we dine at the hotel (meal included), making it a relaxed start to the weekend and a chance to settle in.

  • After breakfast, we head out in our minibus to Bamburgh. Dominating the coastline, Bamburgh Castle sits atop a volcanic outcrop and has been home to kings, warriors, and inventors.

    We’ll then enjoy a walk along the wide, sandy beaches and coastal paths nearby – with views stretching out across the North Sea. There’s time to take in the dunes, pop into the village, or even stop for tea and cake.

    Back in Berwick, there’s time to freshen up before a relaxed evening. You can meet up in the hotel bar, or head out to explore one of the nearby pubs. Tonight, we’ll eat out at a different local venue (meal not included), giving you the chance to sample Berwick’s food scene.

  • We’ve timed this trip so the tidal causeway is safely accessible today. After breakfast, we’ll walk across the sands to Holy Island, following the route of barefoot pilgrims (you can wear shoes, of course!).

    Once on the island, we’ll explore the key sites and stories of Lindisfarne – from the ruined priory where monks illuminated the famous Lindisfarne Gospels, to St Aidan’s legacy and the Viking raids.

    There’s free time too, whether you want to relax in a tearoom, visit the abbey, or try a glass of Lindisfarne mead – a traditional honey-based drink with monastic origins.

    Later, we’ll return across the sands and travel back to Berwick. We aim to finish by around 3pm, allowing for onward travel or a final wander around town.

 

Lindisfarne (Holy Island)

Lindisfarne, often called Holy Island, is a tidal island with a deep spiritual and cultural history. It was a centre of early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England and the site of the famous Lindisfarne Gospels.

Surrounded by mudflats and saltmarshes, it’s also a haven for birdlife, particularly waders and wintering wildfowl. Today, the island blends tranquillity, history, and natural beauty, offering a truly memorable experience.

Essential Information

  • Meeting Time: 
    Check-in is available from 15:00.

    Your Large Outdoors host will be available from 18:00 to meet you in the bar.

    A table will be booked for the group to enjoy dinner together around 19:00, so if you intend to arrive later than this, please let us know and ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Meeting Location:
    Premier Inn,
    Sandgate,
    Berwick-upon-Tweed
    TD15 1ER

    Parking: There is free parking available at the accommodation.

    Pickups: We offer a courtesy Pickup at Berwick-upon-Tweed Train Station at 17:00 on Friday and can drop you back off there around 15:00-16:00 on Sunday. Please select this optional extra when making your booking.

    Finish Time:
    We aim to finish on the final day by 15:00 (with drop-offs at Berwick-upon-Tweed after this, for those who book them). The exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or meal together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility. 

  • Accommodation Address:
    Premier Inn,
    Sandgate,
    Berwick-upon-Tweed
    TD15 1ER

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:

    There are Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a room one other participant (two single beds), bathrooms are en-suite. 

    Twin Rooms sleep up to two participants booking together, with two single beds (rooms with double beds may be available - please request this when booking and we will check availability with the inn) - bathrooms are en-suite. 

    Single Occupancy Double Rooms sleep one participant (double bed), bathrooms are en-suite.

  • Included:

    • 2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Berwick-upon-tweed.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.

    • Guided walks on 2 days (Day 2 and Day 3).

    • Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door. Optional Pickup available from Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

    • A hearty cooked breakfast each morning, prepared by the accommodation.

    • Complimentary tea and coffee provided in your room at the accommodation, but please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up with tap water and take out with you.

    • Bedding and a towel - but don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Pre-event group WhatsApp.

    Not Included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location (but please see the Meeting Location & Time section above for details of the local Pickup available for those wishing to arrive via public transport).

    • Dinner each evening - we’ll have a table booked at the accommodation to enjoy dinner as a group and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.

    Packed lunches for the walks, we will stop at a local supermarket or bakery and you can purchase whatever you like.

    • Alcoholic drinks - the accommodation has a licensed bar if you wish to purchase alcohol.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our General Walking Lit List

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

  • • What level of fitness is needed?
    This trip is graded as Leisurely. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • What transport is provided during this trip?
    We offer transport with a Pickup service (see Meeting Location & Time section above and select this option when booking) and transfers from the accommodation to the activity start points and back.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the activity and any additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.